Apparatus for playing a ball game



Aug. 9, 1938. F. A. MITCHELL ET AL y APPARATUS FOR PLAYING A BALL GAME Filed Julyzz, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet l uw um n 1% .m l De 4W A n a. l ...y e A. .0.. 5w o wv/l, 8

Allg 9, 1938 F. A. MITCHELL Er AL 2,125,570

`APPARATUS FOR PLAYING BALL VGAME Sheets-Sheet 2 FRANKA'. MITcmLL LoUIs J. SIMON www M2M ATT ORNE'Y S Aung. 9, F, A M|TCHELL ET AL I 2,126,570

APPARATUS FOR PLAYING A BALL GAME Filed July 22, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I NVENTORS FRANK A. MITCHELL i LOUIS J. smoN By 9L @www ATTORNEYS ug. 9, 1938. F.' A. MITCHELL ET AL 2,126,570 u APPARATUS FOR PLAYING A BALL GAME Filed Julyv 22, V1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS FRANK A. MITCHELL LOUIS J SIMON ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 9, 1938 UNirso STATES` 2,l2t,57 i

PATENT N@iii-frire APPARATUS FOR-PLAXING A- BALL-GAME Application: July` 22, 1935;; Serial'Noi 32,610v

InGrcat Britain March-19.,v1935 f 15 Claims.

`This invention relates to an apparatus for playing a ball game,` for example a ball game simulating golf which enables the game to be played in a limited space, the ball being struck iin-the usual manner by a club, but the extent of the flight of the ball being limited, and means being. provided for operationA inI accordance with the nature of the blow imparted tothe ball' to afford an indication to the player of the result and efficacy of his stroke.

Anexampleof such a game formsthe subject of our co-pending application Serial No. 32,609 iiled July 22, 1935; the ball in that case being anchored by a cord to movable elements which are moved by the cord to an extent which corre.-

sponds to the force of a blow imparted to the ball, the movable elements in turn controlling anindicator arrangedto afford an indicationv on a chart bearing a. representation of a. golf course, of the flight of the ball had it been free to travel over an ordinary open course.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved ball game apparatus which` in4 addition to testing the ability of a player tolcontrol the length or' lengthand direction of travel of: the ball, will present hazards or obstacles to the player, the hazards being such that they can only be overcome by imparting` loft to'the ball, that isi to say imparting blows to the ball which will cause it to travel over a suitably elevated trajectory. By thisAV means a game more closely simulating real golf may be played with the improved apparatus.

A. further object of the invention is to provide meanswhereby the putting ability ofl the player may be tested.

AA further object is to provide an` apparatus having4 the above improved features, which is adapted to. be used by two players playing competitively.

In accordance with. the present invention thereforethere is provided an apparatus for playing a ball game, comprising means to limit the flight of the ball when struck by a player, an indicator, means for operating said indicator in accordance with the force of the blow imparted to the ball and means adapted to prevent operation of said indicator when a stroke is made which fails to impart a required predetermined minimum loft to the ball.

1h' the at present preferred arrangement the indications' are arranged to be observed' upon a chart bearing a representation of a golf course ccmplete with tees, greens, holes and the usual forms of hazards found on courses such as bunkers, streams, groups of trees and so on, andv the` arrangement' isY such that when a players ball. isI shown` to be in,` or. in the region of a hazard, the indicator operating. means is` auto-Y matica'lly;` setytoprevent an indication of progress beyond the. hazard until anA appropriately lofted shot is executed.

The invention is illustrated by way off example infthe accompanying drawings as applied to an embodiment in whichA thef ball to be played is connected tof. the apparatus` by a' cord, the machiner illustrated being. adapted for use by two competing: players..

Inthe.drawings:-'n

Fig.` ltisa general perspective-viewl of thecomplete apparatusz Fig. Z-isa: view inl sectional side elevation of the upper partof the cabinet containing the greater par-t of the: apparatus-,. the figure being foreshortened1 foriv theV sake ofi convenience.

l Figs. 3 andeare side elevation' and plan views respectively of a= drum on which the ball an-y chorage cordf is wound, and ofthe mechanism related. ther-etc.

l Fig-.'51 isa view in front elevation' of al gravity motor as used: forymov-ing an indicator.

. Fig. 6 is-:a sectional plan-view on a smaller scale taken.v on= the linel 6m6-l ofV Fig'. 2.

` Fig. 'l1 isa` viewin` end elevation partlyv in section showing the cord controlled motor and the direction controlf turret in their relative positions.`

Fig;V 8 is a sectional planI view of the control tur.ret -ta1enon theline 1 8-8 of Fig. 7.

9fisaview of apart of a chart for use in the apparatusaccording to: the invention.

Figs..10,.111, 12 and 13fshow details of the indicating'` mechanism.

Fig.. 14' isi al diagram of the' electrical circuit vvlhichlmayV be used.

Figs.. 15 and. 16` show details* of a` switch assembly suitablexfor usef with the apparatus according to the present invention.

Figs; l7- andA 18 are plan and side elevational viewsofa putting board.

- ltefer-r-ing` to the draWingsFigs. l and 2, I is a vertically elongatedV cabinetcomprising an upper partk Aandy a lower partB. The'upper part A is dividedby two, partitions 2 and 3 into three com.- part'ment's, top and bottom compartments 4- and 5' and a long intermediate compartment 6.

The front of the three compartments is closed by. a door. 'l having a glass panel extending over the intermediate compartment' 6;

In the bottom B' of the cabinet is mounted a motor shown in detail in Figs. 3, 4 and '1 and comprising a drum 8 on which a cord 9 is adapted to be wound, one end of said cord being fixed to the drum while the free end has attached to it the ball 36.

This drum 8 is mounted fast on a horizontal spindle I0 carried in bearings in a frame I2 and a spring I3 is provided within the drum one end of said spring being connected with the drum 8 and the other end with a xed member I4 in such a manner that the spring I3 is tensioned when thev cord 9 is drawn oir the drum 8 and the latter rotated. One end of the horizontal spindle I0 is screw threaded as shown at I5 and projects beyond one of the end bearings Il and on this threaded end is carried a non-rotatable nut I6.

Two parallel levers I1 are pivoted at one end to a lug I8 on the frame I2Vand are connected intermediate their length at opposite points I 9 to the nut I6, while the other end co-operates through a contact bar I1 with a group of vertically arranged switch blades 20, Figs. 4 and '1. The arrangement is such that when the drum 8 is rotated by the pull of the cord 9, the nut I6 and lever I1 are moved to open two switches |01 and |08 and to close one switch |09 of a group 20 (see Fig. 14) and the functions of these switches will be described later.

The other end of the spindle I 0 carries a sleeve 2| bearing a worm gear 22 which meshes with a worm 23 on the spindle 24 of a centrifugal governor of the kind commonly used in talking machine motors and comprising a series of leaf springs 25 xedly anchored at one end to the spindle 24 and connected at the other end to a sleeve 25 slidable on the spindle 24 and each bearing a Weight 21 which moves outwards under centrifugal force when the governor spindle 24 is rotated to cause the sleeve 26 to move longitudinally of the governor spindle 24.

The sleeve 2| bearing the worm gear 22 is normally free on the drum spindle I0 but is adapted to be clutched thereto when the drum 8 is rotated in that direction which winds the cord 9 thereon. The clutch device may conveniently be formed by a coiled spring 28 wound around the sleeve 2| and a corresponding sleeve extension 29 on the drum 8 and arranged to tighten and rotate the sleeve 2| when the drum 8 is rotating in the required direction.

An adjustable friction pad 30 of usual type is provided to limit the governor speed as desired by engagement with a friction disc 3| on the sliding collar 26 of the governor. 'I'his friction disc is also adapted to engage with a contact spring to close a switch 32 (Fig. 14) in an electric circuit when the governor is rotating. lIlhe governor is also arranged to make a longitudinal movement of small extent upwards in Fig. 4 and as a whole, when or before commencing to rotate such as will bring disc 3| into Contact with the lower blade of switch 32 but without closing Switch 32.

Near one end of spindle I0 is fixedly mounted a collar |54 of insulating material having a metallic insert |55 in contact with the spindle I0, and a leaf spring |56 mounted on a suitable insulated anchorage on the frame I2 engages the collar |54 with its free end so that during rotation of spindle I0 intermittent contact is made between the leaf spring |56 and the metal insert |55 for a purpose yet to be described.

On a rod 33 arranged above and parallel to the axis 8 of the drum is carried a sliding and rotating collar 34 having a` shaped edge 35 and this collar 34 is urged by a spring 35 into engagement with the cord 9 to ensure its being satisfactorily wound on the drum 8. The above described motor is arranged within the part B of the cabinet and in front of said motor is mounted means adapted to be influenced in accordance with the direction of the flight of the ball 36 on cord 9 when struck and to correspondingly affect the indicating means. Such means will be referred to generally as the direction turret. The direction turret is illustrated in Figs. '7 and 8 and comprises a vertical spindle 31 mounted for rotation in bearings in xed upper and lower plates 38 and 39 themselves carried on. a baseboard 98. The spindle 31 carries a horizontal disc 40 of insulating material in one side of which is a metallic contact 4| of limited circumferential length which in the normal position shown in Fig. 8 is engaged by a spring contact 42 on a fixed part 43 of the structure. On the opposite side of the horizontal disc 48 are provided two spaced metallic contacts 44, 45, and a further spring Contact 46 anchored on the fixed part 43 normally engages the surface of the disc 40 between these metallic contacts 44, 45, but can engage either one of the metallic contacts when the horizontal disc is rotated to a limited extent in one direction or the other.

Means may be provided if desired, to lock the horizontal disc 40 in a desired position, such means comprising an arm 41 urged in one direction by an electro-magnet 48 and in the other direction by a spring 49 said arm 41 having a pin 50 on its end adapted to be engaged in any one of a series of recesses 5I in the periphery of the disc 40.

On the upper end of the vertical spindle 31 is flxedly mounted a yoke 52 between the limbs 52 of which is carried a rotatable horizontal spindle 53 bearing a vertically arranged disc 54 in which is fxedly mounted a wire arm 58, this arm 58 extending horizontally and bearing an eye 59 on its extremity through which passes the ball anchorage cord 9. The disc 54 is provided with metallic inserts |51, the peripheries of which are engaged by a number, in the case illustrated three contacts I58, |58 and |58 carried by spring contact blades |59 mounted on a member |68 Spanning the yoke 52. The contacts |58', |58

and I58" are staggered with regard to one another so that contact with insert |51 is broken or made by one Contact or several in succession as the disc 54 is moved about the axis of spindle 53. Rollers 66 are provided one above the other and across the yoke 52 between which the cord 9 is guided but with considerable latitude.

The above described cord controlled motor and the direction turret may be conveniently mounted on a baseboard 98 common to both and adapted to be inserted in compartment B or if desired a cover 99 may be provided, Fig. '1.

In theY upper compartment 4 of the cabinet are mounted two similar gravity motors, one at each side, one only being shown in Figs. 2 and 5. Each of these motors comprises a driving pulley 6| over which runs a belt 62 and the pulley is geared to a governor 63 similar to that described above in connection with the cord drum mechanism.

In conjunction with the governor 63 of each gravity motor is mounted an electro-magnet 64, the armature 65 of which bears a brake pad 66 for. co-operation with the governor friction disc 61 'and the arrangement is such that when the magnet 64 is energized, the brake pad 66 is withareegmd draw-n from contact with the governorfdiscI 611i and themoto-r freed to` run but when the electromagnet circuit isf-broken. the pad lengages the disc' ('1=T and"V holds thef motor stationary. An

auxiliary pad 68 is provided to'- enable the speed i a`- pencil of light` from the-lamp1li-"is directed rearwardly andcausedfto impinge upon a mirror 12 carried upon a bracket 13 rigid with the carrier 69.

Preferably each carrier housing Gli-is provided i also with an arrow-shaped' aperture 14 at the front, Fig; lll; to permit light to be directed to the front of the machinefromv the lamp within the carrier 69.

The carriers 69 are-arrangedforvertical move- 1 ments each on' twoxedguiderails 15; andthe mirrors 12, are arranged for rocking movements about a` vertical axison the brackets 13; through the engagement ofl movable square or other suitable `section vertical' rods 16 in square or' other shaped holes4 in' lugs 11 on themirror supports the lugs 11 overlapping and' engaging the edges of' bracket 13 however, so that the mirrors 12 are constrainedto movevertically withA the carriers. Each' carrier 69' is connected to one end' of a pulley belt 62 of` one of theY gravity motors, the

otheren'd of each belt 62 being connected'toY a counterweight 13. It will readily be seen that when one. or. other'of. the gravity,` motors'is released tol run `the corresponding carrier 69 is caused to rise under the pull of the counterweight 1B at a speed determined by the governor 6`3` and for so longas the gravity motor is permittedV toy run. Means such as a winding crank. |03 (Fig. l) may be provided to return the. carriers 69 to the lowered position when they have run the full" length of' the compartment 6.

The xedl guide rods 15 for the. carriers B9 are mounted in the partitions 2 and 3., between. the compartments 4, 6` and 5 andthe rockable square shafts 1S are carried. in bearings in said partitions thelower ends of shafts 16 extending below the lower partition 3. At the.` lower end each square shaft 16 isconnected through a l'ever system1`9, 8|). Figs. 2 and 121 to a rocking armature 8|' arranged between two electro-magnets 82, 83 and the arrangement is such that a square shaft 16` and consequently a mirror 12T. is rockedl to one side or the other `of the normal position according to which of the magnets 82 or 83 is excited. A spring mounted arm 84,.the position of which is controlled by an electromagnet4 2.23 carries a pin 85 on its end and' this pin. 85 engages in one or other of several apertures in a member carried by the armature 8| to4 l maintain the latter in one. or other of its deflected positions and in consequence, the. square, shaft 16 and mirror 12 in the corresponding position until the electro-magnet 223is excited. One shaft 16 only is shown in Fig. 12 but itV will be understood thatthe other shaft 16is connected through a similar lever system, with a similarA armature 8|I magnetically controlled..

Atthe free end` of the armature 8| is carried a. member 28u bearing three separate contacts 229, 23|)` and 23|` any one of which is engaged Withtheend ofafixedly mounted spring contact arm 232 according to the position of' the armature 81d. i

On= the front of each carrier 69% is hingedly mounted a flap |`6Il (Figs. 6. 9' and 10) the 'apsfbeing formed. of insulating material and in` their normali position being folded` down on the front of the carriers as shown inl Figs. 6 and but being" capable. of being turned out as shown' atlthel left of Fig. 9';

In the front of each carrier69 iscarried" an insulating block` |f62 having a number or slits (four in the case illustrated) formed therein, inwhichare' housedl'metal' rollers |63, |153", |63 and 163', the rollers being urged yieldingly, as by springs |54.; towardsithe flaps and being adapted to?` close.` electrical circuits bycontacting` with metal platesA |65 and lxed on the rear surfaces ofthe il'aps.

The arrangement is such that any one or more of the three rollers |531, |53" andl |63" may contact withia common plate |35 while the fourth roller may contact with plate |66 only.

Each of th-ethree rollers |63?, |83 and |63 is inY electrical connection with one of they three contacts 229; 232il and 231 described above as being provided on theV end of armature 81.

The functions of thel electrical circuits closed by the rollers |63, |53?, "i3"y and |63 will be described later;

On the bracket 13 fixed to one carrier 69- (the right hand carrier in Fig. 13)' is mounted a spring change over switch 8233, Fig. 13, a function or' which amongst others is to light one or other of two indicating lights 89l horizontally spaced from one another and preferably of different colours, arranged ongtheA front of the machine; (Fig. 2)to indicate `which of the carriers 69 is in the lowest position. The coloured lights correspond to the different players. On the same bracket 13' is` a movable cam device 9U adapted to beA moved between two positions in one of which saidiswitchv B3 is'permitted to open and in the other ofv which `said'switchV Si! is held closed.

On the bracket 13 ofy the other carrier 69 is xed a pin 9|` which engages the cam Qwheneverv one carrier E9 moves past the other to reverse the position of said cam Siliand'as aconsequenceopen or close the switch 88. 9D' is mounted von a` pivot pin S2 and a spring 9.3 i'srprovidedl to snap the cam ii sharply about its pivot as soon as the operating pin 9| has caused the spring 93th. passthe dead centre.

The arrangement is such that one or other of the coloured lamps Yis lit according to which of the carriers is lowermost, .the cam 9|! being rocked'whenever one of the two carriers E9 moved upward' past the` other, so. that a clear indication is afforded to the` hindmost player that he is due vto-take the next stroke.

In the upper and lower compartments 4. and 5 are mounted. one-cachot apair ofA rollers 94 andl 95 on which are Wound the ends of av chart- 961 bearing arepresentation of a golf course showing for. example a4 number of greens 111|, tees, |1| and hazards such as bunkers 15?, i 3, lili` etc., bushes |1\5 streams i175 and so on, the hazards being arrangedon anumber of parallel lines, say three, indicated at |11, |11', |11 longitudinally of the chart'. The bunkers may bear a figure to indicate their height.

1 The chart 95, which is formed of semi-transparent paper for example, exten-ds over the large central compartment" and" is'held against The cam.

the rear of the door 1 or the glass panel therein, the edges of the chart however passing between the aps |6| and the front surfaces of the respective carriers 69. The arrangement is such that a new section of golf course can be brought into view against the glass panel by turning a roller 94 or 95 when a section has been played over.

The chart 96 bears at each side a scale 91 marked to represent yards on the course and for register with the arrow-shaped apertures 14 referred to above as being provided at the front of the carriers 69 to indicate the length of the stroke and the aggregate distance played over by the respective players.

The chart 96 is also provided in each margin with a series of slots or perforations arranged in rows, each margin in the case illustrated being provided with four parallel rows of slots |61, |68, |69 and |10, each row belngarranged in alignment with one of the rollers |63, |63', |63 and |63 referred to above as being provided on the carrier 69.

The slots in three rows |61, |68 and 169 at each side of the chart are arranged opposite hazards and greens in corresponding rows |11, |11 and |11 on the chart, that is a slot, say 29|, in one row |61 in each margin is arranged opposite say bunker |13 on the left hand line |11 on the chart, a slot, say 244 in the next row |68 on each margin is arranged opposite say bunker |14 on the centre line |11 on the chart, a slot 295 also in row |68 is arranged opposite green |1| also on the centre line |11 and a slot say 292 in the next row |69 is arranged opposite bunker |12 on the right hand line |11 on the chart, and the arrangement is such that when a player has played his shot into a bunker or on to the green, one or other of rollers |63', |63 or |63 makes contact through a slot in the chart with plate |65 on the flap to close an electric circuit which functions in a manner yet to be described to prevent further progress by the player until a shot appropriately lofted to enable his ball to be extricated from a bunker or hazard is made, or, if he is on the green, a putt is correctly executed.

The fourth row of slots |10 and the fourth roller |63 co-operate in a similar manner to close a circuit through the second plate |66 on the flap l-'l when the ball of a player is indicated as having landed so close to a bunker or hazard as to necessitate the execution of an approach or lofting shct. The lengths of these slots in the chart through which roller |63 projects are determined .in accordance with the heights of the corresponding hazards, so as to determine the amount of loft required. In this case this circuit remains closed to prevent the balls progressing beyond the associated hazard unless a suiliciently lofted shot to clear the hazard has been executed.

When the ball is shown as having reached a green` say |1|, it is necessary for the player to execute a putt. For this purpose a separate ball is used upon a separate putting surface such as is shown for example in Figs. 17 and 18. This surface may take the form of a long mat |18 of felt or carpet marked with distances as shown, and the end of the mat is connected with a wooden frame |19 which may be formed with an incline to enable given putts to be executed with a shorter mat. A hole is formed as shown at |8| in the mat and frame and beneath it is carried a yieldingly mounted disc |82 adapted to be depressed by the weight of a free golf ball to close an electric circuit through contacts |83.

'convenient Preferably a wedge-shaped projection |84 is provided on the wall of the frame |19 behind the hole |8| so that a wrongly directed ball cannot rebound into the hole |8|. It will of course be understood that the end' of the putting surface may be open or may have any other convenient shape than that shown.

The switch |83 is connected electrically with the apparatus within cabinet in such a manner as to counteract the effect of the contact of roller |63 with plate |65 when a successful putt is executed and the arrangement is such that the indicator is moved to indicate the ball in position on the next tee.

The electrical circuits include a number of switches which are arranged upon a panel in the rear compartment 5, Fig. 2, and in the case illustrated, six groups of switches represented by C, D, E, F, G, and H in Fig. 14 are provided on the panel. In Fig. 15 is shown a convenient form of switch assembly whereby a number of circuits may be opened or closed by a single moving member, and which is well adapted for use in forming the various groups C, D, E, F, G and H. This switch assembly comprises a metal plate 98 having bent up, lugs 99, |05, |06 and |61, the lug 99 Serving as anchorage for a magnet H3, lug |05 as anchorage for the spring mounted armature and lugs |06 and |01 as anchorages for a series of switch blades |2 adapted to be deflected by a member ||4 carried by the armature Il, when said armature is rocked., to open and close different circuits simultaneously. It will be understood that the switch assembly illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16 is merely by way of example, the contact blades ||2 being Varied in number and arrangement as required.

Preferably means are provided to prevent excessive rebound of the anchored ball 36 and for this purpose an extension cord l5 may be connected between a point on the anchorage cord 9 and a fixture I6 on the ground or floor arranged in alignment with the guide arm 58 of the direction turret.

The xture 6 may also support a target or flag (not shown) at which the player may aim.

In use the direction turret may if desired be arranged outside the lower end of the cabinet, instead of inside as described above, whichever is The apparatus may be driven from a battery or alternatively from the mains through any convenient form of mains unit.

In the diagram (Fig. 14) the apparatus is shown as being driven from a battery.

The operation of the apparatus will now be described.

Before commencing to play, the chart 96 is adjusted by rotation of rollers 94, by means of a hand knob ||1 for example, shown in Fig. 1, to show a hole or holes of the course behind the transparent panel, and the carriers 69 are arranged in their fully lowered position. A main switch (not shown) is closed to connect the apparatus to the currentsupply derived from the battery ||9.

The ball 36 is teed up in a position where it is in alignment with the guide arm 58 of the direction turret as shown in Fig. 1, and then struck by the rst player who for the purpose of the present description will be assumed to be the player using the left hand carrier or indicator 66.

Assuming that the ball has been driven straight the arm 58 will remain substantially unmoved and the movable discs 40 and 54 of the direction turret will remain in the positions indicated in Figs. "7, 8 and `11.4, but the pulloi the ball-on the cord 8 rotates the drum 8 (Figs. `3,-4 and7) and .tensions the .spring I3. From Athe vmoment the `cordf8 -begins to unwind and theidrumf8 `to rotate,

the pivoted levers `I'I are moved -by 4the travelling nut I8 on the screwed end 1`I'5fof'drum spindle I0 about 4their-common ypivot,so lthat member I1" is -moved to theleft-inlFig. 4to close-switch i |09 and openswitches IWI/and I98of-group 29.

Referring `to Fig. `14, switch |89 of group 20 being now-closed, a circuitfis completed `from terminal |85 of battery'il I9, lead`-|`89, switch\| 08,#lead |8'II and -magnet -IB8 to the 'negative -terminal of `the battery which vthroughout the following description `will be Areferred to as earth closing of switch v|99 the spindle I0 bearingthe cord drum 8 and the governor spindle 24,are connected-through lead "|85, switch Y|99 of group H,

lead |971 to the positiveterminal |85 ofthe bat- Ltery. The'functions of switches I8I, |82, |83 and -I 84 of'groupD will be described later.

Whenthe cord 9 ceases-to pulL/the drum-8 with -spindleIU (Figs. 3, 4 and 7) lcommences torotate in the reverse directionthroughthe unwinding of the 4now tensioned spring VI'-l andthe cord'9 `is rewound. The spindle I through clutch ydevice 2|, 28 and 29-rotates worm gear2'2 to drive the Igovernor spindle Y24.

. `Theiriction disc3| of the governor moveslongitudinally (upwards'inFigsl and 14) in the usual manner of a centrifugal governor Vto `close Athe 'switch 'L3-2.

Thus the circuit, switch |90, lead 195, switch '|88 of group H, lead |81, spindle .I0, governor spindle 24, disc 3|, switch 32, contact4l on,disc :49 of the direction turret,lead |88, switch .|89

of switch group F, lead290, left'hand magnet 64,

'left handlead 20|, contact '202 of switch group G contactarm-20`3 to earth is closed. LThe left hand magnet 64 is therefore energized and the armature 65 moved to permit the leftlhand gravity motor to rotate.

It will be .understood that at this time .the right'handmagnettisnot energized, the circuit thereof, whichis similar to that described above in respectof the lefthandmagnet-,being broken in view of the position of lcontact arm 20,3 of group G.

'Theleft hand gravity motor n ow vrunning permits the left hand carrier. 69,to rise under thevpull ofits counterweight 18.

'This movement continues until the cord 8 Ais completely-rewound by the rotationpf 4drum 8, and leversllliave been returned to their'normal position by the movement of nut ILG ,on the screwed end vI5 of spindle I0.

In this positionof levers `I'I .the switch I 0,8 is opened, thus breaking the circuit of magnet |88 to open switch '|90 of group Dthereby breaking the circuit of 4left hand magnet64 to stoptheleft hand gravity motor and therefore'the movement of thelefthand carrier-69.

At the same time that switch f|80-is opened switchl94isclosed. gAs a result a circuit from terminal 204 of the battery -II9 and including lead 205, lamp 4'I0 inthe left hand carrier "08,

lead 205, switch |94, switch of group E, lead 208, contact 208 and arm 203 of group G is closed Iso vthat the left hand lamp `II) is illuminated. A spot of -lightirom said lamp is projected on to the mirror 'I2 on the bracket |3'on the left hand lc-arrier -89 bythe corresponding optical system 'II and reilectedby said mirroron to the chart 86 to .afford an indication of =the point on the course `reached `bythe-ball asia result of the stroke. `the Sametime the corresponding arrow -shaped apertureltl-isvilluminated by the same lamp 'I0 to facilitate the `reading of the distance from the w.eealeonftheedge ofthe chart.

When playwas about tocommence the switch 93 of -group D was closed as shown in Fig. 14, and thus a closed circuit including said switch |93,

switch v248 of group E, lead 2II, switch 88 on the right `hand carrier 68 and lead 2|2 served to maintain magnet 2 I3 of switch group G energized and thearm `203 in the position shown. As left hand carrier 68 commenced torise thepin 9| on `the -bracket I3 connected thereto engaged the `cam 90 (Figs. 10 and 13) to moveit about its :pivot thereby opening switch 88.

Although -this switch 88 is opened however, the magnet2i3 remains energized fby current owing through the Vcircuit which includes switch `|8| of group D and switch 2|4 of groupG. This condition'remains until switch I9I is opened through the opening of drum controlled switch |08 as the drum 8 comes torest as described above.

fWhen the'cord drum `8 and the left hand carrier I89 come to rest switches `88 and I8| both being open, magnet `2|?, is de-energized and the arm 203 swings overto the right in Fig. 14. As

'afconsequence a circuit-including terminal 204 of the battery, lead 2I5, right hand lamp89, contact 2I8'and -arm 203 to earth is closed, and the righthand lamp 89 is illuminated to indicate that the second player correspcnding to the right hand side -of'the machine is due next to play.

,At the same time arm 203 connects with contact 2 I-I so that the controlling magnet 64 for the right hand gravity motor is made capable of being 4energized on the next stroke.

A'stroke-by the second or right handplayer ii' straightwill operate theright-hand magnet 84 to Vrelease the right hand carrier in the same-manner las described'abovewith reference to the-left hand carrier'through corresponding circuits, and when said second orright hand carrier comes to rest the `right-hand carrier lamp 'I0 is illuminated through -a'closed circuit comprising battery terminal 204, leads Sand 205, right hand lamp 10, lead 206',

lead l298, switch `201 of group E, switch |94 4of grou-p G, contact -2I 8 and contact arm "203 of group Gto earth. The secondplayer will therefore be afforded an indication of the strength of the stroke he'has made, in a manner similar to `that described above with reference to the first or left hand player,

If the movement of the right hand carrier 499 lis sufficient to pass left'han'd carrier 68, yswitch 88 -on theright `hand carrier will be closed and .when` in duercourse i..e. when the carrier 69 comes 69 does not move far enough to pass the left hand carrier58 switch 88 remains open and arm --20-3 remains swung-o-ver-tor the right and the right hand lamp 89 is illuminated to indicate that right hand player is to play again.

The means for indicating any lateral deection in the ilight of the ball when struck will now be described.

Assuming for example that the parts are set as shown in Fig. 14 and the rst or left hand player is about to take a stroke. If when the ball is struck it is deflected to one side or the other, the guide arm 58 will be correspondingly moved and the horizontal disc 4|) (Figs. 7, 8 and 14) will be rotated about its vertical axis. If the deflection is not excessive, switch |09 and switch groups D and G operate, the left hand carrier 69 moves, in precisely the same manner as previously described.

Assuming that the lateral deviation of the stroke from the straight is such as to rotate disc 49 to a small extent in a clockwise direction in Figs. 8 and 14 contact 45 on disc 40 engages with spring contact 46.

Thereby connection is made from terminal |85 of the battery, switch |90, switch 2 I9 of group E, lead 229, contact arm 46, contact 45 and lead 22| to magnet 83 shown more fully in Fig. 12 and which is arranged to rock armature 8| and the lever system connected thereto and the square section shaft 16 controlling the angular movement of mirror 12. The circuit of magnet 83 is not completed however until the armature 84 forming the locking device for the lever system 19, 88, 8| makes contact with a contact 222 (Fig. 14). This movement of the armature 84 to close the circuit of magnet 83 takes place when magnet 223 is energized by the closing of switch |01 of group 20 when the cord drum 8 is about to come to rest with the cord rewound.

The switch |01 and the magnet 223 controlling armature 84 are contained in a circuit which includes point 225 in lead 20|, magnet 223, lead 226, switch |01, lead 224 and point 221 in lead 200.

While magnet 64 is energized a potential difference exists between the points 225 and 221 thus causing current to flow in the above described circuit controlling magnet 223.

Movement of the armature 84 having released the armature 8| and the lever system 19 and 89 connected therewith for movement under the pull of now energized magnet 83 the left hand square section shaft 16 is as a consequence rocked to rock the corresponding mirror 12 to thereby direct the light spot on to a point on the chart which will alford an indication of the lateral deflection as well as the strength of the stroke. From the above description however, it will be understood that the rocking movement of the mirror 12 is delayed until the travel of carrier 69 is almost completed.

It will be understood that if the disc 40 is rotated in the reverse direction due to an opposite deflection of the ball, direction contact 44 engages contact strip 46 to control the opposite magnet 82 through lead 228, but in a similar manner to that described above in connection with magnet 83, to afford the appropriate indication of deection in conjunction with the indication of strength due to movement of the carriage 69.

A similar set of magnets and circuits is provided as shown for use in connection with the right hand carrier 69,

If a stroke is made by a player with excessive lateral deflection such that third contact 4| on disc 48 moves entirely away from contact strip 42 the circuit containing the gravity motor controlling magnet is broken so that no movement of the carrier 69 takes place and no indication of any advance is aiorded.

The operation of the apparatus whereby the skill of the player in extricating his ball from, or

avoiding, hazards such as bunkers |12, |13 etc.

plate |66 on the same flap. The contact of roller n |63 and plate |65 closes a circuit comprising contact arm 203 and Contact 245 of group G, lead 246, contact arm 232, contac 230 on the end of armature 8|, roller |63, plate |65, lead 241, switch |58 on disc 54 of the direction turret, lead 248,

magnet 249 of group F, lead 250, switch |92 or" group D to terminal |85 of battery ||9.

Contact of roller |63 with plate |66 closes a circuit comprising contact arm 203 and contact 234 of group G, lead 235, roller |63, plate |66, lead v 236, contact |58' on disc 54 of the direction turret, lead 231, magnet 238 of group C, contact |92 of group D to terminal |85 oi battery ||9.

The magnet 249 (group F) being energized will prevent closure of the circuit containing the magnet 64 for releasing the left hand carrier 69 to run, since switch |99 which is in the circuit including magnet 64 is now open.

When the player strikes the ball, whether suflciently lofted or not, the switch |92 (group D) which is in the circuit containing magnets 249 and 238 will be opened through energization of magnet |88 as described above. In order however, that these magnets shall remain energized to prevent movement of the carrier 69 unless suficient loft is imparted to the ball, switches 256 in group F and 242 in group C are provided, the latter connecting lead 239 direct to the terminal |85 of the battery and the former connecting lead 239 to the battery by way of lead |95 and switch |90 which is now closed.

In order that the carrier 69 may move or in other words in order that the ball may be played out of the bunker magnet 249 must be de-energized to permit switch |99 in the circuit of magnet 64 controlling the movement of carrier 69, to close.

When the stroke is made and the ball lofted, arm 58 will be tilted upwards and disc 54 of the direction turret moved counterclockwise.

If the loft imparted to the ball is only suicient to open switch |58', magnets 238 and 249 will remain energized for the reason that a circuit comprising terminal |85 of battery ||9, switch 242 of group C, lead 239, magnet 238, lead 231, lead switch |58, lead 252, switch 24| of group C lead 253, switch 254 of group F to earth remains closed. Even though suicient loft is imparted to open switch |58, again magnet 238 will remain energized through the same circuit, and magnet 249 also is energized through a closed circuit including lead 241, which is earthed through plate |65, switch 243 of group C, lead 248, magnet 249, lead 250, switch 242 of group C to terminal |85 of the battery ||9.

If suicient loft is imparted to the ball to open all the switches |58 and |58 and |58, the circuit described above with reference to switch |58 is now opened, magnet 238 is therefore de-energized resulting in de-energization of magnet Y21119 'and therefore ithefclosing Lof switch |399 andthe carrier -169 `-is .'fgreedjto run .to .indicate that the ball .'hasibeen =playe.d.out of .fthezbunken Since a lofted ball cannot travel-foriso 4.great a distance sfor Aa given strengthxoriblowasa :normal shot, means :are .provided ito :limit .the extent :of movement of `.thecarriage when a. loftedfshot Iiis played. w

Such means .comprise zthetintermittent .contact device |254, 1.5.5, `|96 idescribed abovie as .being provided in conjunction iwith :the drum .spindle I9. i f

Before the .loftinglshotiis executed, .magnet '12:49 being energized, switch-:258er .group TF' is .closed whereby magnet :26.9 is energized .through #lead `259 and switches 126| .and F262 are .closed :and

switch |96 opened. Magnet 22.66 :also remains energized, `after .magnet i249 :is ideeenergized,

through a `closed .circuit :comprising switch |90 of group D, lead 5h95, switch262, :magnet 1266 `to earth.

Theiopening of :switch 1| 96 .disconnects spindle .lll from the .circuit lcontaining 'the magnet 64 .controlling the carrier.

*In lthese circumstances the circuit lcontaining magnet 64 is made only intermittently Vthrough Contact -arm i|56 and the metallic insert |155 electrically connected'with spindle il), the arm |56 `being -con-nected Ato the terminal |85 of `the battery ||9 `by way-df vlead |86 switch |09 (now closed) yfand Jlead 263 `-and thus the distance travelledby-the carrierf69 is reduced.

`assumed to .have `played .his ball into .a hazard i. Le. bunker |114 onithe centre line |11 of the course. It will be Aunderstood that the hazard mechanism described will operate Vin `a similar `manner to `that described .when `the ball 4has .entered a :bunker on-one or .other of lines 1|"11 Yor |11" on `the course, since lwhere a stroke with lateral deviation has been made, armature -I will have rocked and `one or `.other -of `two -side contacts 229 or 23| on thewendiof `said armature will `have contacted with arm 23.2 so lthatonlylthe corresponding roller |63' or .'1Il63 r`will be in circuit.

If vthe player has played .hisball to a position in front of a bunker it .is..still necessary to loft the ballto clearthat bunker, otherwise the ball will enter the bunker. and the requirements Vand operations .will .then be the same .as `justdescribed.

When the ball has :landed in front of, but `not in a bunker, for example ythe lbunker HA previously `.considered-the roller |63 will make .con-- tact with plate |66 through the longer slot of row |16, opposite `bunker |14.

In these circumstances the next shot by that player must be -a shot lofted sufficiently to-pass over the bunker .and i-fthe shot is not-suflicient-ly lofted, the ball will be Iindicated as having'entered the bunker, in which Ycase the `operation of the apparatus in getting out-of the bunker will-of course be thesame as described above.

Before the shothowever,theroller |63- being in contact `with `plate |66, the 'circuit described above including magnet 23B and sWitch"|58Jon"disc"-54 1of1theJdirection.turretisclosed. If the ball is not lofted sufficiently to tilt arm .58 and rotate disc i511 so faras toppen switch |58,then.as.the carriage 69 moves upwards and roller |63" Aopposite the same bunkercontacts plate-|65 through theap- Vpropriate slot in the chart, the `circuit including `magnet 249 and switch 11.5.9 .is closed, and switch |99 of group Fis opened, `thereby .stopping the movement -of 'the carriage and the ball will be indicated as in the bunker.

.If the shotis suiciently lofted toitilt arm 56 and to rotate disc 54 to open switch |58' then the circuit including magnet 249 is not closed and movement of'thecarriage can therefore proceed until theicord is rewound as originallydescribed.

In case itis desired to move the-carriage by hand for any reason, Afor example Yin order to move the ball from a bunker, a switch 266 is provided for the purpose of .connecting the magnet 64 controlling the movement `of the carrier .69 directly to thebattery byway of terminal |85 of the battery, lead 269, switch:266 and leads ,268 and 299, magnet 64 andlead 26|.

If a ball is shown as having reached a green, for example green |11I, all the rollers |63', |63" and 16.3"Lwi1l be contacting with plate |65 solthat magnet 249 is energizeduand switches |99 and 269 -of group F are opened and closedrespectively, and

it is now necessary in order that the player of that ball can proceed, to use aseparate Vfree ball to execute `a putting fshot Jon the separate putting table L16.

Assuming that the :putt .is 4`successfully made, switch l83-on the :putting itableis closed. There- -by. a. circuiticomprising terminal .|65 of theb-attery .group F, .lead 296, magnet r 6.4 controlling the car rier 69, lead 29|, contactL292 .and contactarm'illl of .group .G` to learth is closed.

The carrier :69 .therefore .moves `upwards and this movementcontinues until roller |63 .emerges `from .longslot.|68, thereby breaking the hitherto closed circuit .containing vmagnet 249. This -re- `sults in the-opening of switch 269 and cessation of `movement ofithe carrier.

The arrangementlis such that rthe ball-will be shown as having been transferred tothe next-tee.

This of .course Ais `determined `by `the length lof slot 295.

It is essentialrhoweven that the movement of Ithe carrier .69 shall not be `interrupted -until lthe `ball is'indioated as :having reached the nextitee and also that the change of lightslto indicate the nextplayersiturn sha-ll not be vefectedfunti'l the carri-ercomesto -a standstill. In other Wordsthe circuit including magnet :G4-must not"be:broken and-'therefore `magnet i213 must remain either energized or de-energizedaccording to its original condition.

For this 4purposewhenfthe Afree -ball closes switch |33-on the puttingtable 18, magnet y215 of group E is energized thus-closing switches 213 `and-211! `and opening switches 261,216 and 2|9.

open, the condition of magnet 2|3 will not be changed and=no lighting Aof either'lamp `89vwill be effected.

-I-f magnet =2L|3 was originallyenergized it wil-l continue to derive current through switch 213 of group E and 2l4 of group G.

If however the magnet 2|3 was originally deenergized switch 2|4 will of course be open.

Thus, should the free ball be removed from the putting table |18 before the carrier 69 has come to rest magnet 215 remains energized to prevent magnet 2 I3 from being changed, so that the carrier 69 continues to move and the change over lamps 89 are not yet operated.

If the free ball is allowed to remain in the hole on the putting table to maintain switch |83 closed, then again magnet 215 will remain energized and prevent magnet 2|3 from being changed so that no change of the lights 89 takes place until the free ball is removed and the putting table |18 made ready for the next player.

When magnet 215 is excited, switch 2|9 is opened and the circuit to either of the lateral deflection magnets 82 or 83 is broken. If therefore the players ball prior to the putting shot was on the green at one side or the other f the centre line of the course the corresponding deflection magnet 82 or 83 will be de-energized and armature 8| will return to its central position so that the circuit to centre roller |63 through the long slot 295 in the chart, to plate |65 is made, this condition being necessary to the carrying out of any putting shot if the ball is to be shown as having reached the next tee.

'I'he apparatus is such that even if, in the course of play, a very feeble blow is imparted to the ball 36, an indication will appear on the chart. To this end the governor spindle 24 is, as stated above, arranged to make a small longitudinal movement (upwards in Figs. 4 and 14) when rst moved by worm gear 22 even though no rotation of the governor takes place.

This longitudinal movement results in the governor disc 3| engaging the lower of the two contacts of switch 32 without however closing the switch. Switch |08 being in parallel with the two contacts of switch 32 and remaining closed owing to the slight movement only of drum 8, the circuit to the magnet 64 controlling the gravity motor is momentarily closed in the same way as described above in connection with a normal stroke, and the carrier 69 makes a movement of Very small extent.

For such small movements of the drum 8 the swing of the levers l1 is insuflicient to open switches |01 and |08 but is sumcient to close the normally open switch |09 in order to energize magnet |88 which is a necessary priliminary to the energization of a magnet 64 controlling one of the gravity motors 6|.

If during the movement of carrier 69, rewinding of the cord and rotation of the drum 8 should be interrupted, for example through the ball meeting an obstruction or the cord being trodden upon, the governor 24 will be brought to a standstill, disc 3| will move longitudinally downwards and switch 32 will be opened to break the circuit of magnet 64 controlling the gravity motor so that movement of the carrier ceases. This occurs of course only when the cord is still sufliciently unwound for switch |06 to be open.

The two spots of light 10a projected on to the chart may be of different colours, say red and white respectively, so that each player can readily recognize his own spot.

A switch 214 is provided to enable one person to play by himself, the switch 214 being in parallel with switch 88 on the bracket 13 attached to the right hand carrier 69 so that the change over arrangement affecting switch group G may be cut out, the player playing continuously with the left hand part of the apparatus.

l. An apparatus for playing a ball game comprising a ball, means to limit the flight of the ball when struck, a chart bearing a representation of a golf course and including hazards, an indicator movable with regard to said chart to indicate progress of the game over the course, means to move said indicator in accordance with the force, and vertical loft imparted to the ball, means on the chart adapted to co-operate with the moving indicator to make a contact in an electric circuit when the indicator reaches a given position with respect to a representation of a hazard on the chart and means controlled by said circuit to prevent further progressive movement of the indicator until suilcient loft is imparted to the ball to extricate it from the hazard.

2. An apparatus for playing a ball game comprising a chart bearing a representation of a golf course with hazards, a series of slots formed in the chart in positions corresponding to the positions of the hazards, an indicator movable with regard to the chart to indicate progress of the game over the course, a series of electrical contacts carried by the indicator and each adapted to close an' electric circuit when brought by movement of the indicator into register with a slot in the chart, means controlled by said contacts to prevent movement of the indicator to remove said contact from the slot in the chart until a loft has been imparted to the ball.

3. An apparatus for playing a ball game comprising a ball anchored to a movable cord, a movable guide arm through which said cord passes, an indicator, means controlled by the movements of said guide arm to move 4the indicator in accordance with the force, lateral deflection, vertical loft imparted to the ball and means to limit the movement of the indicator when insufficient loft is imparted to the ball and means adapted to automatically set said limiting means upon a given predetermined indication appearing at the indicator.

4. An apparatus for playing a ball game, comprising means to limit the flight of the ball, an indicator, and a direction turret including a member adapted to be moved about a vertical axis by lateral deflection imparted to the ball by a player and a member adapted to be moved about a horizontal axis by the vertical loft imparted to the ball by a player, electrical means adapted, under the control of said movable members to control the movements of the indicator to afford an indication of the progress of the game, means to limit the movement of the indicator when insuflicient loft is imparted to the ball and electrical means adapted, in a given predetermined position of the indicator, to set said limiting means.

5. An apparatus for playing a ball game comprising means to limit the ight of the ball, a slotted chart, an indicator adapted to be moved relatively to the chart to afford an indication of the progress of the game, a series of rollers carried by the indicator and adapted to project through the slots in the chart in given positions of the indicator, flaps on said indicator adapted to be engaged by rollers projecting through the slots in the chart to close electrical circuits and means controlled by said electrical circuits to prevent movement of the indicator from pre-determined positions until a pre-determined loft is imparted to the ball.

6. An apparatus for playing a ball game, comprising means to limit the iiight of the ball when struck by a player, an indicator, means for operating said indicator in accordance with the force of the blow imparted to the ball, means adapted to be set to limit the operation of said indicator until a stroke is made which imparts a required predetermined loft to the ball, and means adapted to automatically set said limiting means upon a given predetermined indication appearing at the indicator.

7. An apparatus for playing a ball game, comprising means to limit the flight of the ball when struck by a player, an indicator, means for operating said indicator in accordance With the force and the lateral deflection of the blow imparted to the ball, means adapted to be set to limit the operation of said indicator until a stroke is made which imparts a required predetermined loft to the ball, and means adapted to automatically set said limiting means upon a given predetermined indication appearing at the indicator.

8. An apparatus for playing a ball game, comprising means to limit the flight of the ball when struck by a player, an indicator, means for operating said indicator in accordance with the force,

lateral deflection and vertical loft imparted to the ball, means adapted to be set to limit the operation of said indicator until a stroke is made which imparts a required predetermined loft to the ball, and means adapted to automatically set said limiting means upon a given predetermined indication appearing at the indicator.

9. An apparatus for playing a ball game, comprising a rotatable drum, a ball anchored by a cord to said drum, said cord being adapted to be wound on said drum and unwound therefrom when the ball is struck by a player, an indicator operable under the control of said rotatable drum, `means adapted to be set to limit the operation of said indicator until a stroke is made which imparts a required predetermined loft to the ball, and means adapted to automatically set said limiting means upon a given predetermined indication appearing at the indicator.

1G. An apparatus for playing a ball game, comprising means to limit the flight of the ball when struck by a player, an indicator, means for operating said indicator when a loft is imparted to the ball by the player, means adapted to be set to limit operation of said indicator until a stroke is made which imparts the required predetermined loft to the ball, and means adapted to automatically set said limiting means upon a given predetermined indication appearing at the indicator.

1l. Apparatus for playing a ball game comprising a ball, means to limit the flight of the ball When struck, an indicator, a putting surface and 60 a target on the putting surface, means controlled by the flight limiting means adapted to operate the indicator in accordance with the force of a blow imparted to the ball, control means mounted adjacent to the target for operation by a ball 65 striking the target and adapted to control operation of said indicator, and means for transferring the control of the indicator from the flight limiting means to said control means, when a given predetermined indication appears on the indicator.

12. Apparatus for playing a ball game comprising means to limit the flight of a ball, an indicator, a putting surface and a target on the putting surface, means controlled by the flight limiting means adapted to operate the indicator in accordance with the force of a blow imparted to the ball, control means mounted adjacent to the target and operable by a ball striking the target when a successful putt is executed and means to bring the indicator under the influence of said control means when a predetermined indication appears on the indicator.

13. Apparatus for playing a ball game comprising a ball, means to limit the flight of the ball when struck by a player, a chart bearing a representation of a golf course and including a green, an indicator movable over said chart to indicate progress of the game, electrical means controlled by the flight limiting means to determine the extent of the movement of the indicator in accordance with the force of a blow imparted to the ball, a putting surface, a target on said putting surface, electrical controlling means mounted adjacent to the target and operable by a ball striking the target and adapted to cause operation of the indicator when a successful putt is executed, and means on the chart adapted to co-operate with the moving indicator to set the electrical controlling means adjacent to the target for operation, when an indication appears of a ball on the green on the chart.

14. An apparatus for playing a ball game comprising a ball, means to limit the flight of the ball when struck, a chart bearing a representation of a golf course, including hazards, an indicator movable with regard to said chart to indicate progress of the game over the course, means to move said indicator in accordance with the force of a blow imparted to the ball, means on the chart adapted to co-operate with the moving indicator to make contacts in electric circuits when the indicator reaches a given position with respect to the representation on the chart of a hazard, means controlled by one of said contacts to prevent movement of the indicator past the representation of a hazard until sufficient loft is imparted to the ball to pass it over such a hazar-d and means controlled by another of said contacts to cause the indicator to move to represent the ball as in a hazard When a stroke is made imparting insufficient loft to the ball to pass it over such a hazard.

15. An apparatus for playing a ball game comprising means to limit the flight of the ball, a chart, an indicator, means adapted to move said indicator at a constant speed relatively to said chart and for a period which is determined in accordance with the force of the blow imparted to the ball, and means adapted to reduce the distance travelled by the indicator under the force of the blow when a vertical loft is imparted to the ball.

FRANK ALLEN MITCHELL. LOUIS JOHN SIMON. 

